Advantages & Accolades

Strengths of Hanover County, Virginia

Location

Residents here get the best of both worlds. Hanover County prides itself on maintaining its rural roots and offering residents a laid-back lifestyle, while its close proximity to Downtown Richmond provides convenient access urban amenities such as upscale shops, fine dining, museums, galleries and other attractions.

Interstate access

Hanover has prime access to Interstates 95 and 295, which have 125,000 vehicles/day and 92,500 vehicles/day, respectively. There is an extensive network of commuter and freight rail lines. The County is served by a regional airport and is in close proximity to Richmond International Airport.

Strong, well-run local government

Hanover County is the smallest U.S. county (by population) to have a AAA bond rating from all three ratings agencies. There are only 34 “Triple AAA” counties (out of 3,034) in the U.S. This reflects well not only on Hanover County finances, but also on the general economic outlook for Hanover.

Low taxes

Hanover County leads the region with the lowest government cost per capita ($85.63). Hanover continues to have the lowest real estate tax rate ($0.81) in the region. There is no business license tax (except for contractors), a distinct advantage for Hanover businesses.

Stable workforce

Virginia is a right-to-work state. There are low levels of unionization and union election activity in the County and state.

Quality public schools

Compared to other school districts in Virginia, Hanover County has the lowest dropout rate (2.2%) and the highest graduation rate (96.2%).

High quality of life

Hanover has been recognized by Forbes, Bloomberg BusinessWeek, Money magazine and the American City Business Journals for its superior quality of life.

Environmental stewardship

Hanover County is home to a thriving agricultural industry and a rural conversation program.

Recognition for Hanover County, Virginia

Forbes.com has ranked Virginia in the top ten every year since 2006.

Forbes ranked Hanover County as No.7 in the “Best Places for Business and Careers” and No.10 in the “Best Places to Get Ahead.”

Hanover was recognized as one of the “100 Best Communities for Young People” America’s Promise Alliance in 2007 and 2008.

Bloomberg BusinessWeek has identified Hanover County as a “Top Place to Raise Children”

Hanover community Ashland took top honors, as it was named the “Best Place to Raise Children” in Virginia.

Mechanicsville, another community in Hanover County, was named runner-up.

In July 2009, Money Magazine named Mechanicsville as one of the “Top 100 Best Places to Live,” based on economic opportunity, good schools, safe streets, things to do and sense of community in the area.

American City Business Journals ranked Hanover County among the top 50 localities in the United States for quality of life.